Growing Food in Limited Space
Container gardening is an excellent solution for growing food in urban environments, small yards, balconies, or areas with poor soil. With the right containers, soil mix, and plant selection, you can create a productive garden in even the most limited spaces. This fact sheet provides practical guidance for successful container gardening in African contexts.
Materials You'll Need
- Containers (various sizes and types)
- Potting soil or soil mix components
- Seeds or seedlings
- Watering can or irrigation system
- Fertilizer (organic preferred)
- Mulch material
- Support structures for climbing plants (optional)
Choosing the Right Containers
Almost anything that holds soil and has drainage can be used as a container. Consider these factors when selecting containers:
Size and Depth
- Shallow-rooted plants (lettuce, herbs, radishes): 15-20cm deep
- Medium-rooted plants (peppers, beans, chard): 25-30cm deep
- Deep-rooted plants (tomatoes, eggplants, root vegetables): 30-45cm deep
Container Materials
- Plastic containers: Lightweight, retain moisture well, inexpensive
- Terracotta/clay pots: Porous, good airflow, can dry out quickly
- Wood containers: Insulate roots from temperature extremes, natural look
- Repurposed items: Buckets, basins, old cooking pots, tires, etc.
- Grow bags: Fabric containers that promote air pruning of roots
Upcycling Ideas
Many household items can be repurposed as containers:
- 5-20 liter plastic water containers (cut in half)
- Old cooking pots and pans
- Plastic basins and buckets
- Rice or grain sacks (reinforced with supports)
- Used tires (stacked or single)
Important: Always ensure containers have drainage holes and haven't contained toxic materials.
Creating the Perfect Soil Mix
Garden soil alone is too heavy and compacts easily in containers. Create a lightweight, well-draining mix:
Basic Container Soil Recipe
- 2 parts good quality compost
- 1 part garden soil (if available)
- 1 part coconut coir, rice hulls, or other locally available organic material
- 1 part sand or perlite for drainage
For Vegetables with Higher Nutrient Needs
Add to the basic mix:
- Aged manure (1 part)
- Crushed eggshells or wood ash (small amount)
- Bone meal or fish meal if available (small amount)
Planting Your Container Garden
Prepare Containers
Ensure containers have drainage holes. Cover holes with a piece of mesh or broken pottery to prevent soil from washing out while allowing water to drain.
Fill with Soil Mix
Fill containers to about 2-3cm below the rim to allow space for watering. Gently firm but don't compact the soil.
Plant Seeds or Seedlings
Follow seed packet instructions for depth and spacing. For seedlings, create a hole large enough for the root ball and plant at the same depth as it was growing previously.
Water Thoroughly
Water until it flows from the drainage holes to ensure soil is evenly moistened and to help roots establish.
Apply Mulch
Add a 2-3cm layer of mulch (dried grass clippings, straw, or leaves) to conserve moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations.
Watering Container Gardens
Container plants need more frequent watering than in-ground gardens:
- Check moisture daily by inserting your finger 2-3cm into the soil
- Water when the top layer feels dry
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
- Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal issues
- During hot periods, containers may need watering twice daily
Water-Saving Techniques
- Self-watering containers: Create a reservoir at the bottom using plastic bottles
- Ollas: Bury unglazed clay pots with their openings above soil level and fill with water
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer to reduce evaporation
- Grouping containers: Creates a microclimate that reduces water loss
Fertilizing Container Plants
Container plants need regular feeding as nutrients leach out with watering:
- Apply liquid organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- Compost tea, diluted manure tea, or fish emulsion work well
- Top-dress with compost monthly by adding 1-2cm to the soil surface
- Watch for yellowing leaves (nitrogen deficiency) or stunted growth (general nutrient deficiency)
Best Plants for Container Gardens in Africa
Vegetables
- Leafy greens: Amaranth, kale, spinach, lettuce, collards
- Fruiting vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra
- Root vegetables: Carrots (short varieties), radishes, onions, garlic
- Legumes: Bush beans, cowpeas
Herbs
- Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, lemongrass, cilantro
Fruits
- Dwarf papaya, dwarf banana, strawberries, dwarf citrus
Space-Saving Tips
- Vertical growing: Use trellises, stakes, or hanging containers
- Succession planting: Replace harvested plants with new crops
- Intercropping: Combine fast-growing and slow-growing plants
- Tiered arrangements: Use shelves or stacked containers
Common Container Gardening Challenges
Rapid Drying
Solution: Group containers, use larger containers, apply mulch, install drip irrigation
Poor Drainage
Solution: Ensure adequate drainage holes, use well-draining soil mix, elevate containers slightly
Temperature Extremes
Solution: Move containers to shade during hottest parts of day, use light-colored containers to reflect heat
Pest Issues
Solution: Inspect regularly, use companion planting, apply neem oil or other organic pest controls
